- Site: Dungeness B
- IR number: 20-117
- Date: February 2021
- LC numbers: 17
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This was a planned compliance inspection of EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Ltd.’s (NGL’s) Dungeness B Power Station, undertaken as part of the planned intervention strategy for the Operating Facilities Division (OFD) of Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR).
The work was carried out in accordance with the planned inspection programme contained in the Dungeness B Integrated Intervention Strategy (IIS) for 2020/21 and as part of the 2020/21 intervention plan operating reactors Supply Chain and Quality Assurance (QA) strategy (CM9 Ref: 2019/360564).
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
I conducted a planned Licence Condition (LC) 17 (“Management Systems”) compliance inspection in relation to Dungeness B’s supply chain management and Quality arrangements, together with the Dungeness B Recovery Site Inspector. The inspection was conducted both remotely via Skype and physically on site at Dungeness B.
The purpose of LC17 is to ensure the licensee has established and implemented management systems which give due priority to safety and within its management systems, make and implement adequate quality management arrangements in respect of all matters which may affect safety.
The intervention was performed in line with ONR's guidance requirements (as described in our technical inspection guides) in the areas inspected.
In addition, the Recovery Site Inspector carried out engagements related to his role and was joined remotely by other ONR inspectors for a discussion of the station’s performance improvement programme (PIP) with the Station Director and other senior managers from EDF NGL.
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
This was not a system-based inspection
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
This LC17 inspection examined the QA, supply chain (including goods receipt) and lifetime records arrangements. A number of minor shortfalls in the arrangements were found.
Overall, from the evidence sampled, I judged that the licensee adequately demonstrated compliance with the requirements of LC17 and therefore rated this inspection as ‘Green, no formal action’. I noted several minor QA shortfalls, which station management will investigate. I have asked the station to consider conducting basic QA plan training to reinforce the expectations contained in EDF NGL’s station and company arrangements to address the QA shortfalls. A Level 3 Regulatory Issue 8066 has previously been raised at fleet (corporate) level which, when completed should help address some of the shortfalls found.
Conclusion of Intervention
There were no findings from this inspection that could significantly undermine nuclear safety. One level 4 regulatory issue 8599 was raised to address the minor shortfalls. No further additional regulatory action is needed over and above the planned interventions at Dungeness B Power Station as set out in the IIS plan.